Unmasked – Episodes 1-2

Unmasked – Episodes 1 and 2 make it abundantly clear that this isn't your typical K-Drama crime procedural; rather, the series is struggling to find its footing in a crowded K-Drama season.

Starring Kim Hye-soo, Jung Sung-il, Joo Jong-hyuk, Lee Hae-young, and Jang Hye-jin, the first two episodes haven't quite established a truly compelling hook. Nevertheless, the blend of comedy and suspense, when it works, is quite appealing, and the characters – though somewhat underdeveloped – provide entertainment thus far.

Unmasked – Episodes 1 and 2 follow a team of investigative journalists desperately trying to keep their show, "Trigger," afloat, even as all odds seem stacked against them. Led by chief Oh So-ryong (Kim Hye-soo), Episode 1 plunges us directly into their current case: the downfall of a cult-like church abusing and drugging its members. From the outset, Kim Hye-soo's vibrant portrayal makes it clear that So-ryong, while impulsive, is also incredibly sincere in her drive to uncover the truth – unfortunately, quickly making herself a target in the process.

An anonymous hater surfaces online and begins targeting the team one by one. Going by the name "Dr. Trigger," this person spreads rumors and shares incriminating footage that puts individual team members in the spotlight. In Episode 1, this unknown figure scares away a producer with the rumor of an alleged affair, and early in Episode 2, an explicit video is posted online suggesting someone from the "Trigger" team is featured in it. These scandals further fuel the decline in ratings, leaving So-ryong soon facing a milder version of a call to mutiny.

Episodes 1 and 2 also present a promising duo

The situation becomes – if that's even possible – even more complicated by the arrival of a new team member: Han Do (Jung Sung-il). In the first two episodes, it quickly becomes apparent that Han Do comes across as somewhat awkward. He prefers animals to people and even gets himself into the unfortunate situation of being falsely accused of animal cruelty after trying to feed one. Moreover, Han Do is naturally reserved and exudes a truly grumpy energy, making him a target for So-ryong – who also has the challenge of not immediately scaring him off.

Despite their slight imperfections, the two characters make for an entertaining duo. So-ryong's fiery nature and resolute leadership style bring her into direct conflict with Han Do, who simply wants no contact with people. Literally – his face lights up when he sees a room full of puppies. It's just so sweet. However, should the two be able to align on a common goal, they have the potential to become almost unbeatable – at least, if the end of Episode 1 is anything to go by.

As far as the crime aspect is concerned, Unmasked – Episodes 1 and 2 sharply outline the vision and tone of director Yoo Sun-dong and screenwriter Kim Ki-ryang. They don't shy away from highlighting the dark sides of humanity. The first two cases show why it's worthwhile to root for "Trigger" – and at the same time, the dangers the team incurs to uncover the truth. And while director Yoo and writer Kim by no means hesitate to illustrate the gravity of the crime, they succeed in creating an eerie atmosphere without indulging in bloodshed and overt violence.

However, treading familiar ground so early also makes it harder to get into

Unmasked – Episodes 1 and 2 are almost reminiscent of American comedy shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine. However, Unmasked doesn't quite capture the kind of humor one expects in a typical K-Drama – instead, it relies on a more subtle approach that doesn't always fully work. Between this approach, the predictable "crisis-of-the-week" format, and the seemingly superficial characters, Unmasked is a tough sell from the start.

However, that's not to say that the series won't improve. On paper, there is already enough potential to spark future prospects. The characters – even if they currently seem more archetypal – possess such sparkling comedic chemistry that their later collaboration is expected to be a success. The crimes so far are exciting enough to pique morbid curiosity. But as it currently stands, not everything fits together smoothly yet.

Conclusion

Unmasked – Episodes 1 and 2 show the potential of the series, but stand on shaky ground. It lacks an immediate, captivating hook, even if the pacing is right, the characters are entertaining, and the crime aspect works so far. It is still too early to say whether the series will sink or triumph. However, should it find its ideal middle ground, Unmasked has the potential to be great – even if the path there remains rocky.

You can only watch Unmasked on Disney+ right now.